What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
babe
Example
Hey babe, how was your day? [babe: noun]
Example
She called him babe as they walked hand in hand. [babe: pronoun]
darling
Example
You're my darling and I love you so much. [darling: noun]
Example
She affectionately called her friend darling as they shared a laugh. [darling: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Babe is more commonly used than darling in everyday language, especially among friends and romantic partners. Darling is less common but can be used in more formal or elegant situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between babe and darling?
While babe is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, darling has a slightly more formal connotation and can be used in both informal and formal contexts.